After achieving back-to-back victories at the Super Bowl in 2023 and 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs are ambitiously vying to etch their name into the annals of NFL history this season by becoming the first team to secure three consecutive championship titles.
However, the Chiefs — hailed as the league’s most formidable team in recent seasons, featuring superstar talents Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, along with the brilliant strategies of head coach Andy Reid — understand that realizing this unprecedented feat demands an unwavering commitment to their legendary work ethic.
This commitment encompasses adherence to various guidelines established by both the NFL and the Chiefs organization, including a notably unusual rule instituted by Reid that has piqued the curiosity of many fans and analysts alike.
Below, we delve into 10 intriguing rules that Chiefs players must strictly adhere to, which may come as a surprise to most:
Players have an 11 p.m. curfew the night before games
On the eve of each game, be it at their home stadium or during away competitions, players are mandated to respect a strict curfew. Chariah Gordon, whose fiancé plays as a wide receiver for the Chiefs, Mecole Hardman Jr., confirmed to PEOPLE, “Yeah, they have a curfew. Each game, they have to be in by 11:00.”
Significant others have to stay in separate hotel rooms
Although players’ significant others are welcome to attend the games, Gordon mentioned that the Chiefs maintain a “strict” policy preventing players from sharing accommodations with their partners the night prior to competitions.
Players are prohibited from drinking alcohol the night before games
Despite the allure of exploring the vibrant nightlife of away cities after games, Chiefs players face a firm prohibition against any alcohol consumption on the night before they take the field.
“The ship is tight over here,” Gordon revealed, sharing that it is often the wives and girlfriends who indulge in the city’s offerings.
Players have to get on the team plane right after away games — and WAGs can’t tag along
Following an away game, no matter what their significant others have planned, players must travel to and from the venue with the team. “They leave by themselves,” stated Jayla Thornton-Cook, who is married to safety Bryan Cook.
“You’re more than welcome to go to a game and you can see them after, and then they’re getting right back on the flight and they’re coming right back home that night,” added Thornton-Cook, who formerly played basketball at George Washington University.
Black cleats are prohibited in the Chiefs’ locker room
While players across the league must adhere to the NFL’s official conduct regulations, individual teams can impose their own rules on players.
Recently, defensive tackle Chris Jones shared insights with Rich Eisen, noting, “like, something as simple as, we don’t wear black cleats.”
Jones humorously commented on this particular dress code, stating, “Listen, I don’t know… I just work here,” and added, “I don’t make the rules.”
Uniforms must be worn properly
This uniform regulation applies universally to all NFL teams as per the official league rulebook.
According to NFL Operations, players are required to have their jerseys tucked in when they are on the field, and wearing bandanas is completely prohibited.
Specific guidelines extend to leggings and stockings too. “Stockings must be white from the top of the shoe to mid-calf and an approved team color from mid-calf to the bottom of the pant leg, which must be pulled down below the knee,” stipulates NFL Operations.
Tardiness — even by one minute — can result in fines
Players must arrive punctually for all team-related events, as even a one-minute delay can incur a financial penalty.
According to ESPN’s NFL reporter Todd Archer, players under contract face a staggering fine of $50,000 for each unexcused day they report late or miss training camp.
Archer further noted that these fines “shall not be reduced in amount or waived by the team,” making it clear that the Chiefs approach punctuality with utmost seriousness.
Players are truly off during bye weeks
The official rules dictate that players enjoy a mandatory minimum of four days off during bye weeks. “Such four-day period must include a Saturday and a Sunday unless the Club is scheduled to play a game on the Thursday following the bye week,” state the guidelines.
Gordon confirmed, “They are completely off. They don’t have to do anything unless they have treatment.”
How do the guidelines implemented by the Chiefs contribute to team discipline and performance during the season?
**Interview with Chris Jones on Chiefs’ Strict Guidelines**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Chris! Thank you for joining us today. It sounds like the Kansas City Chiefs have some intriguing rules that players must adhere to. Can you share with us why these guidelines are so important for the team?
**Chris Jones:** Thanks for having me! You know, when you’re aiming for greatness, like we are with our quest for three consecutive Super Bowls, every little detail matters. The rules help keep us disciplined and focused, especially with so much on the line.
**Interviewer:** That’s a great perspective! We’ve heard about the rule against wearing black cleats that you mentioned to Rich Eisen. What’s the story behind that?
**Chris Jones:** (chuckles) It’s really funny! Honestly, I don’t know why we can’t wear them. It’s just one of those quirky rules—“We don’t wear black cleats.” I just work here, as I said, and I don’t make the rules. But it’s part of our unique identity as a team.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of rules, it sounds like there are strict curfews and no alcohol allowed the night before games. How does that impact team bonding and morale?
**Chris Jones:** It definitely makes things more serious the night before a game. We want to perform at our best, so we respect these rules. But there’s still plenty of time for bonding during the week and after games. We have a really close-knit team; we understand it’s all about achieving our goals.
**Interviewer:** And what about the guideline that players can’t have their significant others stay in the same room before the games? How do you feel about that?
**Chris Jones:** (laughs) It sounds a bit strict, but we know it’s for a reason—keeping our minds on the game. And honestly, our partners understand that. They’re here to support us, and it’s more about focus than anything else.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, adherence to uniform regulations is critical. Why do you think it’s necessary for players to have their jerseys tucked in, for example?
**Chris Jones:** It’s about professionalism and showing respect for the game and our opponents. How we present ourselves matters. We want to look like a cohesive team and represent Kansas City well, both on and off the field.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for sharing your insights, Chris! Best of luck this season with your pursuit of making history!
**Chris Jones:** Thank you! We appreciate the support, and we’re excited to show what we can do this year.